3 year old suddenly virtually stopped eating!!!

[nigpay1]

We went on hols a week ago for 4 night and took our 3 yr old into the rabbit hotel as usual. When we went to pick him up they said he had ran out of his usual timothy hay so they tried him with their own hay. He wouldnt touch that and then wouldnt eat much other food either. Since he has come home he hasnt touch any hay, fresh or not and also eats very little veg. Other than that he seems fine binkying around although he does seem to be sleepy more.

Poo/wee seems normal, anyone help?
Thanks

[Sarita]

I would have the vet check his teeth.

[nigpay1]

Hi Sarita, thanks for the reply, what would likely be the problem with his teeth and the remedy?
We are first time rabbit owners and although we have had him 3 years he hasnt had teeth problems before
Thanks

[Sarita]

If it’s his teeth – it’s possible molar spurs and those would have to be filed down by a vet who has experience with rabbits. Many times as rabbits get older they begin to get teeth issues – not all, but some.

It would probably be good to have the vet do a full examination anyway.

[Dee]

I’m with Sarita- a trip to the vet is definitely a good idea. A few days is a looong time for a bunny to not be eating right- their stomachs are very delicate and can stop working altogether if they are not eating enough hay. Hay has the long strands of indigestible fiber that keep a rabbit’s stomache moving and food passing through. So, no hay= stomach slowdown= backup of food= pain= “GI stasis”- a condition in which the rabbit’s gut stops passing food through and becomes filled with gas and clogged food and very painful- this can kill your bunny in less than 24 hours . How is your bunny pooping? Are the poops normal size or getting smaller/stopping altogether? Smaller or fewer poops can be a sign of impending GI stasis.If your bunny was just stressed about being away from home, he should have gotten over that by now. My bunnies are very sensitive and often won’t eat after a car trip, but they recover within an hour. My rule with my rabbits is if they are not eating/acting normal for more than 4 hours, time to call the vet. Refusing ALL food or not pooping/peeing indicates an emergency. I would insist on my bunny being seen SOON (within a few hours) if I were you. Good luck- I hope everything turns out OK!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Ditto-and sooner rather then later. They have sensitive digestive tracts and if the fauna in their tummies and they cannot go long without eating. Very much an emergency situation if she’s not eating normally.

[mocha200]

I agree with every one. If it was a tooth problem his molars could be over grown causing it to be sharp and very painful for your rabbit, that could be why he isn’t eating. Please take him to the vet ASAP!

[Author]

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